‘First Blood’ Prequel ‘John Rambo’ in the Works from ‘Sisu’ Director

Millennium Media (Rambo: Last Blood, The Expendables) is launching John Rambo, a prequel to the action classic First Blood, at the Cannes market, Deadline revealed.

Jalmari Helander (Sisu, Rare Exports) is set to direct from a script by Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani (Black Adam, The Mauritanian).

The origin story will follow a young John Rambo during the Vietnam War. The aim is to start principal photography in October in Thailand.

Producers on the project are Kevin King-Templeton on behalf of Templeton Media, Les Weldon, Jonathan Yunger and Avi Lerner. Executive producers include Trevor Short and Bonfire Legends’ Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk.

Original star and co-writer Sylvester Stallone is aware of the project but not currently involved. Deadline reports that the door is open from producers should a fitting role arise.

“We are thrilled to introduce a fresh new chapter to the Rambo legacy. This project is a tribute to one of the best franchises in movie history that will appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike,” said Yunger. “With Jalmari Helander at the helm — a filmmaker of exceptional vision and energy — we’ve found the perfect director to deliver a high-concept action-packed experience.”

“I have been the biggest fan of Rambo since the age of 11,” added Helander. “It is so surreal to be in a situation where I can actually make my own Rambo movie. The chain of events that got me here makes, in a fantastic way, my whole childhood make sense. I can’t wait to bring the greatest action hero back to the big screen where he belongs.”

The Rambo franchise launched in 1982 with First Blood, based on the novel by David Morrell. It was followed by 1985’s Rambo: First Blood Part II, 1988’s Rambo III, 2008’s Rambo, and 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood — all staring Stallone. It also spawned an animated series.